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(No Model.) 10 Sheets- Sheet 1.

J. S. BANOROFT 8v W.-LEWIS.

TUMBLER BEARING.

N0. 3 765. Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

FIG. 2.

FIG. 3.

WITNESSES. INVENTOB jm m w 2 t e e h S m e e h s S H E L G m &A E TB m 0 m M NU AT B S l m d 0 M 0 w Patented Nov 22 887.

WITNESSES.

n Wazhingl No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 3.

J. S. BANOROFT & W. LEWIS. TUMBLBR BEARING.

No. 373,765. Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

FIG. 7.

WITNESSES.

N. PETERS. FlxolaLilMgmpller, Washington. D. (L

(No Model.) 10 SheetsSheet 4. J. S. BANUROPT &-W. LEWIS.

TUMBLER BEARING.

Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

iNVENTORS. Q, 6

WITNESSES WM Nv mans. Fhalc-Llfihvgnphor. Waahinglon n. a

(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 5. J. S. BANOROFT & W. LEWIS.

TUMBLER BEARING.

No. 373.765.. Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

WfTNESSES. M 5m an,

(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 6. J. S. BANOROPT & W. LEWIS.

TUMBLER BEARING.

No. 373,765. Patented Nov. 22. 1887.

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w. PETERS. Pnmmm n mr, Washinglon, n c

(No Modei.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 7.

J. s. BANOROFT & W. LEWIS.

TUMBLER BEARING.

No. 373,765. Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

FIG. I7;

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 8.

J. S. BANGROFT &' W. LEWIS.

TUMBLBR BEARING.

No. 373,765.. Patented Nov. 22,1887.

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(No Model.) 7 10 Sheets-Sheet 9. J. S. BANCROFT & W. LEWIS.

Patented Nov. 22 1887.

TUMBLER BEARING.

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(No Model.) 10 Sheets-Sheet 10.

J. S. BANGROPT 85 W. LEWIS. TUMBLER BEARING.

No. 373,765. Patented Nov. 22, 1887.

' WITTJEjSM I I v INVENT&K m 2ZQZZ u. PETERS Phdwmhognphcl. Wuhlnitm a a UNITED STATES Rrrnnir Orrrcn.

JOHN SELLERS BANGROFT AND \VILFRED LEE IS, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNORS TO W'ILLIAM SELLERS Cs COMPANY, IN-

CORPORATED, OF SAME PLACE.

TUMBLER-BEARlNG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 373,765, dated November 22, 1887.

Application filed July 14, 1887. Serial No. 214,350.

before it and replace those that havejnst been passed by. The devices commonly used for supporting a shaft in this way provide a bean ing on the lower side of theshaft only. leaving the upper side open. Thus a well-known form of tumbler-bearing consists of a pivoted arm provided with a counter-weight sufficientto support the shaft and hold the arm in position against a stop. This arm swings in a plane perpendicular to theaxis of the shaft and is operated or pushed downward by a traveling cam adjacent to the piece to be clcared,the con liter-weight returning the bearing to place. This form of tumbler-bearing may be used successfully for light rods which move but little or turn slowlyas, for example, the feed-rods of lathes; but it is not well adapted to support the journals of a speeded shalt upon which a sleeve must travel with more or less rapidity. An obvious objection common to this and other forms of uncovered bearings is that the hearing-surfaces are constantly exposed to dust and dirt, which form with the lubricant a grindingmixture and wear away the material of the box and shaft. Further than this, the hearings so exposedare insecure, inasmuch as the shaft, when strained or bent, maybe thrown out of place. Another objection to this form of tumbler-bearing is that the principle of supporting the shaft by a counter-weight necessitates very heavy parts, the inertia of which limits the possibility of rapid movement and increases the danger of breakage from shock. To avoid this objection and snpportthe shaft positively against any load it may have to carry, another tumbler-bearing has been devised in the form of a bracket, the pivoted arm which forms the No model.)

box-bearing being supported by another pivoted arm or Swinging support, which may be operated in proper relation to the sleeve to be cleared. The arm of this hearing also swings in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and drops by virtue of its own weight when the swinging support is removed. Although not so heavy in its movable parts as the counterweighted hearing, this form of tumbler-bearing is nevertheless restricted in the rapidity of its movement by the fact that it is dependent for its action upon gravity. As in the previous example, the journals of the shaft in this one are unprotected by a cap or cover, and this form of tumbler-bearing is therefore open to the objections mentioned on that account; but there is one feature common to both of these forms which characterizes them as a class from others to be mentionednamely, that the pivoted arm forming the box bearing swings in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft,therein possessing certain advantages, to be referred to hereinafter. Tumbler-bearings in which the plane of mo tion is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft we designate as belonging to the first class.

In another form of tumbler-bearings, which we designate as of the second class to distinguish it from the first class mentioned, the box-bearing is pivoted so as to move to and from the shaft in the vertical plane of the axis of the shaft. In tumbler-bearings of this second class a common form consists of two arms at right angles to each other unitedinthe form of abeltcranlc and pivoted at their union. The movement of this bell-crank is limited by permanent stops, between which it swings, and each arm is a counter-weight for the other, and serves to hold the one which is supporting the shaft in a vertical position. 'lne end of each arm is rounded out in two directions, forming a crotch, not to say bearing, because such a form of surface cannot be maintained as a bearing-surface. This crotch is not cylindrical in its surface, although it might be made so by sacrificing the inside half of its length for clearance, anddepending upon the counterweighting arm to support the shaft; but it is generally curved in two directions, one of which is about the axis of the shaft which it shaft and in the box will fit only in one position of the box, whereas they are obliged to be in contact in different positions. As the supporting-arm moves to and from the shaft, the smallest or throat circle in the box must come in contact with circles of larger diameter on the shaft, and in so doing the shaft must be lifted more or less from its normal position. While supported in this way the shaft may run and wear the surfaces in contact considerably out of shape, so that when the arm returns to its normal position the bearingsurfaces will no longer fit properly together. It thus appears that a double-curved surface on the shaft and in the box cannot maintain its shape in a tumbler-bearing which moves in the plane of the shafts axis. Moreover, it would be extremelydifficultto bore out a boxbearing to this form; hence such bearings are made with recesses to be filled with soft metal cast against the shaft. Vhen exposed to dust and dirt without a cap, this foreign material embeds itself in the soft metal and rapidly cuts away theshaft. This bell-crank tumblerbearing has a limited range of usefulness, and cannot be used at all on a shaft where two or more sleeves have to pass, because its movements are reciprocating, and it must always be operated in the opposite direction from that in which it was last moved. Another objection to it is that the length of the bell-crank must be proportioned to the length of the sleeve to be cleared, and this may frequently give rise to very unwieldy dimensions.

To avoid these objections another form of tumbler-bearing of the same class hasbeen devised, which consists of pivoted arm moving in a vertical plane in the axis of the shaft,the upper end of the arm forming the shaft-bearing and the lower end being provided with a counter-weightto bring the arm into a vertical position when supporting the shaft. When the sleeve to be cleared passes a bearing, the pivoted arm is pushed aside and down by the traveling cam, and the counter-weight returns the arm to place,or nearly so, when the cam passes by. As thetraveling cam moves along the shaft in either direction,this pivoted arm must be free to swing in either direction, and consequently no permanent stop can be used to definitely fix it in position when supporting the shaft. The position of the pivoted arm when supporting the shaft is therefore indefinitely determined by the friction of the pivot on which itswings, and to make the tumbler-bearing secure the counter-weight must be proportioned to the weight of the shaft, or, technically speak ing,the effective moment of the counterweighted arm must be greater than the moment of the pressure of the shaft against its bearing in all positions of the arm. The pressure of the shaft against the bearing is not, however, fixed and definite. It is usually measured by the weight of shafting between bearings; but it may be a great deal more or less'if' the shaft is bent or out of alignment, and as the sleeve approaches or recedes from abearing there may be an access or diminution of pressure. The counter-weight must therefore be excessive to provide for these contingencies;

but it is never made heavy enough to give absolute security. In this respect the tumblerbearing just described is no better than the counterweighted bearing previously mentioned. The effective moment of the counterweight must be greater than that of the shaft pressure in either case, while in the present case there are serious objections to this form of tumbler-bearing without anycompensat-ing advantages. The bearing-surfaces on the shaft and in the box must be double curved, conformable, as already described, to the radius of the shaft and to the radius of the support ingarm. It has been shown thata box-bearing of this form will lift the shaft in passing to and from'its normal position, and that it will constantly wear out of shape. To remedy these defects this form of tumbler-bearing has been provided with a separate bearing-piece pivotedto the arm, so that straighteylindrieal surfaces can be used, the parallelism of the swinging bearing being maintained by counterweighting it below its supporting-pivot. This has been furtherimproved by supporting the cylindrical bearing upon two counterweighted radius-arms forming a parallel motion; but even this is objectionable when used for supporting the journals of a square shaft, because the corners of the shaft must be cut away to clear the bearing as it moves to and from the shaft, and so much of the drivingsurface of the shaft must be lost to accommodate the design. The disadvantages of the counterweighted bearing first mentioned apply equally well to this.

It has apparently been supposed in designing this tumbler-bearing that a supportingarm in a vertical position would require less counterweight than one which acts as a cantalever, or in fact that no counter-weightat all would be required for the shaft, its weight being transmitted directly to the supportingpivot; but-this would be a condition ot'unstable equilibrium the slightest disturbance of which would be disastrous, and it naturally follows, to insure stability, that the center of gravity of the counterweighted arm with weight of shaft in bearing must fall below the point of support. To accomplish this the counterweight must have the same effective moment ,as in the first instance, and it must, as a rule,

IIO

position while supporting the shaft, and in fact they seldom return to the same place after being removed.

Thus far it appears that the tumbler-bearings of the second class have no advantages whatever over those of the first class, and that their disadvantages are all due to the plane of motion which characterizes them as a class. Further improvement has been made, however, in the second class of tumbler-bearings provided with cylindrical counterbalanced bearings by introducing a cap, and this is accomplished by means of another pivoted arm which swings about a point above the shaft and carries upon it the cap. The upper and lower arms are connected together by gearing, and the pivoted bearings at the ends of these arms are maintained in their paral- .lelism to the shaft, when opened, by gravity only, so that a change in the condition of the pivot-surfaces on which these bearings turn may prevent them from closing and cause serious damage. Th is diificulty could be avoided by using the parallel motion already described for both box and cap; but there are other difficulties inherent in this mode of opening and closing that areinsurmountable. Thus when the box and cap open and close in a plane parallel to the axis of the shalt they must remain upon opposite sides of the shaft, and it frequently happens that the obstructions to be passed allow a clear space on one side of the shaft only, so that a difierent form of tumblerbearing is absolutely required if the cap is to retained. Further than this, the variations in the closed positions of the bearings may be such as to throw the shaft more or less out of alignment.

Hitherto no attempt has been made to provide the first and better class of tumbler bearings with a cap, and it thus appears that none of the tumbler-bearings of either class heretofore constructed are adapted to fulfill all the requirements of such bearings. They are all dependent for their operation in one direction upon gravity, and are all more or less unreliable and restricted in their rate of movement on that account. None of them are designed to secure, and they do not secure, the shaft absolutely in all directions, as far as the strength of the parts will permit, and none ofthem pro vide a box and a cap which move in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft which they support and cover, so that they are not available in a large number of cases wheresuch bearings are required.

It is an object of our present invention to support a shaft upon tumbler-bearings the movements of which shall be in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and not dependent upon gravity.

It is a further objectof our invention to support a shaft upon tumbler bearings the movements of which shall be controlled absolutely and automatically by the action of a traveling cam.

It is a further object of our invention to inclose the journal of a shaft, when supported in a tumbler-bearing, so that the parts inclosing the journal may be removed and replaced in a plane of motion perpendicular to the axis of theshaftand without depeudenceupon gravity.

It is a further object of our invention to so arrange the movable parts ofa tumbler-bearing that they shall counterbalance each other as much as possible and render the operation of the tumbler-bearing easy in all positions.

It is a further object of our invention to so arrange the box and cup of a tumbler-bearing that when open they may clear unlimited obstructions above or below and to one side of the shaft and a limited obstruction in the remaining space around the shaft.

It is a further objcctof our invention to maintain the shaft in its true position when supported upon tumbler-bearings.

It is a further object of our invention to provide means whereby the box and cap of a tnn1- bler-bearing can be opened and closed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft without disturbing the true position of the shaft.

It is a further object of our invention to secure the stability ofthe linlesupports ofa tumblerbeuring, when in position, to support the shaft without increasing the inertia of the movable parts by counter-weighting, and also to avoid the shock incident to a definite lost motion in the link-support for the box-bearing without sacrificing the advantage gained by the said lost motion.

It is a further object of our inventioirto lock the parts of a tumbler'bearing which inclose the journal of the shaft so that no internal pressure can open them.

It is a further object of our invention to provide means for good lubrication; and to these ends our invention consists of a. bombeariug pivoted to asupporting-frame and movable in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, in combination with a link-support which removes and replaces the hearing by positive action independent of gravity.

It further consists of a box-bearing pivoted so as to move in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, alinksupport, and a sliding blocl: or bar connected thereto, in combination with a traveling cam, by which the block or bar is actuated to remove or to replace the bearing.

It further consists of a pivoted box and a pivoted cap, both of which are movable in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, and a linlrsupport for the box,in combination with a link-support for the cap by the movements of which linlrsupports the box and cap are opened positively and without dependence upon gravity.

It further consists of a box and a cap pivoted so as to move in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, a link-support for the box and a link-support for the cap, these linksupports having a common rocker-arm through which the box and cap are connected so that LOO they counterbalance each other in opening and closing.

It furtherconsists of a pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon so as to move with the box in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, and a link-support for the box, in combination with a link-support for the cap, by which link-supports the box and cap are removed from the shaft in the same general direction, allowing the maximum obstruction around the shaft topass the tumbler-bearing.

It further consists of a pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon so as to move with-the box in a plane perpendicular'to the axis of the shaft, a link-support for the box, a link-support for the cap, and a sliding bar for actuating these parts, in combination with a link connecting said bar to the common rocker-arm of said link-supports in such manner that the box and cap, when closed, are locked by the obliquity of thelink to the sliding surface of the bar.

It further consists of a pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon so as to move with the box in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, and a link-support for the cap, in combination with alinlcsupport for the box having a definitelost motion whereby thislink-snpport may pass a definite distance beyond its line ofcenters without moving the box.

It further consists of a pivoted box, a cappivoted thereon and movable with the box in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, and a link-support for the cap, in combination with an elastic link-support for the box, whereby the common rocker-arm ofthese linksupports is held in position to support the shalt without dependence upon gravity, and also whereby the shock incident to lost motion is avoided without sacrificing the advantage gained thereby.

It further consists of a pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon so as to move with the box in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, a link-support tor the cap, and a link-support for the box having definite lost motion or elas tic compressibility, in combination with a limiting-stop whereby the movement of the box in the direction of closing is limited to its proper position when closed, and whereby the box and cap are securely locked against internal pressure in any direction.

It further consists of a receptacle for lubri eating material, in. combination with a movable box and a pivoted cap.

' In the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, Fig. 1, Sheet 1, is a side elevation, with a portion of the support ing-frame removed, of one form of our present invention,showingthetumbler-bearing closed, with the box and cap locked in position to support and secure the shaft in its bearing. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the tumbler-bear ing shown in Fig. 1, with a portion ofthe operating-cam. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the same tumbler-bearing, showing it open for the passage of a sleeve on the shaft. Fig. 4, Sheet 2, is a side elevation of another form of our present invention in which the cap is pivoted elevation of the closed tumblerebearing shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a sectional elevation of the same tumbler-bearing in open position. Fig. 10, Sheet 4, shows an adaptation of the tumbler-bearing shown on Sheets 2 and 3 to an inverted position of the box and cap, so that the cap becomes the bearing for the shaft.

Fig. 11 is a side elevation, with the frame in section, of the same tumbler-bearing in open position. Fig. 12, Sheet 5, is a side elevation, with the frame in section, of another form of our present invention, in which the operation of the tumbler-bearing in one direction depends upon gravity. Fig. 13 is a similar view showing the tumblerbearing in open position. Fig. 14, Sheet 6, is a side elevation, with the frame in section, of another form of our pres ent invention, in which the operation of the tumbler-bearingdepends also upon gravity. Fig. 15 is a similar view showing the tumblerbearing opened. Fig. 16, Sheet 7, is a side elevation, with the frame in section, of a modified form ofthe tumblerbearing shown in Sheet 6. Fig. 17 is a similar view of the same tumbler-bearing opened. Fig. in, Sheet 8, is a side elevation of another modification of the tumbler-bearing shown in Sheet 6. Fig. 19 is a side elevation of the same tumbler-bearing in open position. Fig. 20, Sheet 9. is a sectional elevation on the line Y Z, Fig. 21, of another form ofou r present invention, in which the box and cap are each operated bya separate swinging support. Fig. 21 is a front elevation of the closed tumbler-bearing shown in Fig 20, with a portion of the operatingcam. Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation of the same tumblerbearing in open position. Fig. 23, Sheet 10, is a sectional elevation on the line Y Z, Fig. 25, of a modified form of the tumblerbearing shown in Sheet 9. Fig. 24: is a rear elevation of the box and cap, showing the links and levers attached. Fig. 25 is a front elevation of the closed tumbler-bearing shown in Fig. 23. Fig. 26 is a sectional elevation of the same tumbler-bearing in open position.

In all the figures similar parts are denoted by the same letters.

A, Figs. 1, 2, and 3, Sheet 1, is a supporting-frame to which the movable parts of the tumbler-bearing are connected for support or guidance.

B is a movablebearing, called box, pivoted to the frame at t by a pin or hingejoint, and connected at the pointk bya similarjoint to an operating-link, D.

G is a movable cap adapted to contain lu-.

bricating material for the shaftbearing, pivoted to the frame at the pointi, and connected at b to an operating link, G.

N is the operating-cam, traveling with the sleeve to be cleared by the tumbler-bearing. One end of this cam is shown in Fig. 2, and the other end (not shown) is similar, the middle portion being straight and as long as the obstructions require.

M is a sliding block or bar engaging with the cam N and guided by the frame A.

L is a link connecting the block ill to a rocker-arm, which it operates.

F is the rocker-arm, pivoted to the frame A, and connected by the link D to the box and by the link G to the cap, the two links D and G forming with the rockerarm F a link-support for the box and cap, respectively.

For the purposes of this specification a rockcrarin vibrating about a fixed point, in combination with a link which, connects the rockenarm to a movable box or a swinging cap by pin-joints, so that the movement ofthe rocker-arm in either direction must communicate motion positively to the box or cap,will be termed a link-support.

t is a shoulder againstwhich the rocker-arm rests when the box and cap are closed, asshown in Fig. 1. In this position the box 13 is held securely by the liuk-support F D, through the points 15ft, and cap 0 is likewise held securely by the link-support F G through the points 0 cl. These linksupports operate to remove and replace the box and cap by the movement of the rockerarm F,- which determines by its position the respective distances of the points It and b from the fulcrum Z. To make the box and cap secure against pressure of the shaft in any direction, the middle pins, f and c, forming these joints,should be in line with the pins at each end, or a little beyond the line in closing. The weight of theparts M, L, F, and D holds the rockerarm F against the shoulder 15, and the box and cap r'main firmly locked against pressure of the shaft in any direction. As the traveling cam enters and lifts the block M, motion is communicated through the link L to the rocker-arm F until the parts assume the position shown in Fig. 3. As the motion of the cam continues, no further movement of the tumblerbearing takes place until the other end of the cam approaches the sliding block M, through which it finally passes, depressing said block, closing the box and cap, and leaving the tumbler-bearing securely lockedin the position shown in Fig. 1. It is important to observe that the movement of the box and cap is thus eifected positively and without any dependence upon the force of gravity, which has hitherto been a requisite factor in the opera tion of all tumbler-bearings.

It is true that gravity is availed of to secure the rockerarm in position when not controlled by the traveling cam; but it is not used as a force to effectthe movement of any partof the tumbler-bearing. The traveling cam is the only source of power by which the movable parts are operated, and consequently this form of tumblenbearing can be adapted for use in any position with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane. It should also be observed that the movement of the box or cap to or from the shaft cannot be retarded by the ineriia of the movable parts, as may be the casein tumblerbearings operated by gravity. A special advantage of this form of tumbler-bearing is that the box and cap counterbalance each other in opening and closing, and thus render their operation easy in all positions.

It is not an essential part of our present invention that the box and cap shall turn about the same fulcrum, 2. Each may have an independent fulcrum in the frame A, or one may be pivoted to the frame A and carry on itself a fulcrum for the other part. Neither is it essential that the block M or the rocker-arm-F shall be arranged to move precisely as shown in opening and closing. The cam N may be made to depress the block M in opening, and to raise it in closing, the rocker-arm F may turnin the opposite direction, acounter-weight may be used to secure the posit-ion of the crow able parts when closed, the shoulder i may act directly against the rocker-arm F, or indirectly through the links connected thereto; but the construction as shown is preferred. When it is not desirable or convenient to have a capped bearing, the cap 0 and link G may be omitted without affecting the operation of the box B, except in so far as counterweighting it is concerned. A simple tumbler-bearing whose action is independent of gravity would result, and the box could then be connterweighted, if desired. The advantage of such a tumbler-bearing over others in which gravity is the operating principle lies in the greater quickness and certainty of its action. When operated by gravity, stilfness in the joints may retard or check the movement of the parts to such an extent that breakage may result, while in the present tumbler-bearing there is no such danger.

Our present invent-ion appears on Sheet 1 in its simplest and most approved form; but the character of the obstruction to be cleared may be such as to require certain modifications. For example, the clear space into which the hearing opens may be on one side of the shaft only, and it therefore becomes necessary for the box and cap to move together in the same general direction. Figs. 4., 5, and 6, Sheet 2, show a form of tumblerbearing designed to meet this requirement. The cap 0 is pivoted to the boxB, ncarth'e shaft-bearing, and moves with the box in opening in the same general direction. The box and cap are connected to the rocker-arm F by the links D and G, and when closed, as shown in Fig. 4, the weight of the box, cap. andshaft is supported through the cap by the link-support F G, and the cap is thereby firmly closed. The link D in this case takes no part of the weight, and acts only to guide and control the movement of the box B, so that in opening and closing, the cap 0 IOC - may clear the shaft 0, which it covers.

7 box begins to descend.

To this end it is necessary that the fulcrum f shall pass, in closing, beyond the line of centers kl before the points b a I come into line. In opening, the cap will then begin to lift before the The necessary movement for the fulcrumf beyond the line of centers b 0 Z and the proper location of the ful crumsf and c are matters to be determined by construction from the exigencies of any particular case. The rocker-arm F is operated by theliuk L, attached to the bar M, extended and guided by the frame A. The shoulder t limits the movement of the sliding bar M in closing, and consequently the movement of the rocker-arm F in the same direction. The movement ofthe rocker-arm F is also limited by the closing of the cap 0; but on account of the oblique position assumed by theliuk L the shoulder t fixes more certainly the position of thesliding barM for the entering cam N. \Vhen the tumbler-bearing is closed, as shown in Fig. 4, the link L may be made to lock the rocker-arm F by standing perpendicular or within the angle offriction to the sliding surface of the bar M, and under this condition the box and cap become secure against pressme of the shaft 0 in any direction. Without locking the rocker-arm in this way the box and cap might be opened by pressure of the shaft against the cap,as will presently app eara possible though improbable contingency and it is not always essential to the successful performance ofits duties that the tumbler bearing should be secured against opening in this way.

In its operation this form of tumbler-bearing is likewise independent of the action of gravity, and it may therefore be readily adapted to any position with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane. As the traveling cam enters andlifts the bar M, motion is cominunicated through the link L to the rocker arm F until the parts assume the position shown in Fig. 6. Starting with the position shown in Fig. 4, the box B will be raised slightly until the points fl come into line, after which it will descend. Thelink-support F G operates at once through the points I) a Z to raise the cap and lift it to whatever extent is necessary before the box B begins to descend, thus enabling the cap to clear the shaft which it covers. lt may now be seen how the tumbler-bearing might be opened by pressure of the shaft against the cap, for pressure in that direction would tend to lift the box B at the point a, throwing the link D in tension and theliuk G in compression. Tension upon the link D tends to bring the points kfl into line and turn the rocker-arin F, and when the points b e Z go out of line, compression on the link G continues the tendency imparted by the link D. \Vhen open, the box and cap are held in position to clear the obstructions on the shaft by the straight part ofthe cam N, until finally closed by the action of the cam in depressing the bar M. It has been shown that in opening and closing, the shaft 0 is raised a trifle beyond the position occupied when closed, and when this becomes an objection able feature, as it naturally may, a simple remedy consists in giving the link D a small amount of lost motion on its fulcrum-pins k or f. The amount of lost motion required is merely the difference between the distance Z fir and the direct distance Z It, and ordinarily this simple remedy is well approved. Lost motion, however, in the reciprocating parts of machinery is generally to be avoided as the source of destructive shocks and jars, and as this is especially the case when the motion of these parts becomes rapid, some other v'provision seems necessary to meet all requirements. In Figs. 7, 8, and 9, Sheet3, the shock incident to this lost motion has been relieved in one direction by introducing the spring T and connecting-lever X, as shown, and in addition to this another special object of our invention, to be duly pointed out, has been accomplished by the same means. In these figures the action of the cam N is shown to be reversed, so that the block M is depressed in opening the box and cap and raised in closing them. For the purpose of diminishing friction the block M is shown to be provided with a wheel, WV, which engages with the operating-eam N. The link L connects the sliding block M with the rocker-arm F upon the opposite side of the fulcrum l, and the arm F is shown as counterweighted tosustainthe weight of the parts resting upon it at the point g. The lever X is pivoted to the box B at the point a, and connected to the'link D at the point it. The opposite end of this lever is held by the bolt and spring T to the box B.

When the box and cap are closed, as shown in Fig. 7, the sliding bar M is held in its proper position against a shoulder, t, on the frame A, by the counter-weighted rocker-arm F; but in addition to this counter-weight the spring T also acts through the lever X and link D to counterbalance the sliding block M and link L, so that, when desired, the spring T can be made to act alone as a substitute for the counter-weight shown on the rocker-arm F, and this is the special object'and use referred to for the spring T. that this spring introduces an element of elastic compressibility in the link-support F D, which may be done in other ways without using the lever X, the only purpose of which is to serve as a convenient sort of connection between the link-support, the box, and the spring. The spring T relieves the shock of lost motion in one direction only, and unless the rate of movement is unusually rapid no other provision is required; but for extreme cases, where absolute smoothness of action is desired, another spring can be introduced between the lever X and box B, so that this lever is held between balancing-springs and shock in either direction is prevented. In this case the original spring T can still be made to act in place of a counter-weight for It will be seen the rocker-arm F, and we are thus enabled, by means of an elastic link-support for the box, to open and close the tumbler-bearing w thout moving it beyond the position occu pied when closed, to secure the stability of the rockerarm F without dependence upon grav1ty, and to prevent the shock incident to lost motion in the movable parts of the tumbler-bearing. The only possibility for any shock whatever in the act-ion of this tumblerbearing is between the box B and shaft 0 in closing; but when this occurs the motion of the box is comparatively slow and harmless. In opening, the action is perfectly smooth, and inasmuch as the smoothness of action depends also upon the shape of the traveling earn, it

should be observed that in this cam there are no abrupt changes of direction, the movement of the block M being accomplished by easy curves parallel at their extremities to the axis of the shaft 0.

S is a limiting-stop on the frame A, against which the box B is brought when closed, to secure it from lifting and opening the bearing in case of an upward pressure of the shaft against the cap. The box and cap are thus held in one direction by the limiting-stop S, and in the other direction by the link-support F G, pivoted at the points I) a Z. nature of the obstruction around the shaft is such as to leave a clear space for the box and cap above the shaft only, the tumbler-bearing may be modified, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, Sheet t. In these figures the tumbler bearing is shown as arranged for a case in which the machinery driven by the shaft must pass underneath the box and cap. The cam N is.

represented to be on one side of the obstruction to be cleared and the shaft 0 on the other. The sliding block M is connected to the swinging support F through the links U and L, and bell-crank lever V, pivoted to the frame A. In this case the cap 0 becomes the bearing. for the shaft and the box B acts as a cover and forms the receptacle for lubricating material.

In Fig. 10 the box B rests against the stop S, and acts as a cantalever to support the ful' crum a for the cap 0. The cap 0 also acts as a cautalever to support the shaft 0, and abuts against the link-support F G, acting through the points I) e Z. In this case the cap is not held shut by the weight of the shaft. The weight of the block M, resting against the shoulder i, should be sufficient to hold the rocker-arm F in position to support theshaft; but when this is not the case the spriugTmay be used to assist in counterbalancing the arm F, as already explained. The springT is not, however, an essential part of the construction, and when the weight of the block M is sufficient to counterweight the rocker-arm F a definite lost motion in the link I) will accomplish the same purpose. Moreover, the link D itself might be omitted in some cases without serious inconvenience, in which event it would simply be necessary to provide a stop When the on the box B,limiting the movement of the cap C to the position shown in Fig. 11. The cap would then open against its stop before lifting the box and the box would close against its stop S before any movement ofthe cap relative to the box took place. Such an arrangement could be applied equally well to the reverse position of this tumbler-bearing by couuterweightiug the box B in excess; but there are good reasons why this expedient is not always advisable. In the first place, it makes the operation of replacing the box dependent upon gravity, and in the second place it gives rise to sudden changes in velocity, which produce shocks thatendanger the strength of the moving parts. At slow speeds it may be permissible, but it is never advisable. Even with the link D as arranged for alost-motion connection, there is a certain amount of shock when the lost mo tion is taken up; but this is small and need not be exceeded.

Fig. 11 shows the box and cap removed from the shaft, so as to clear the obstructions indicated by the broken line. In this position the weight of the box and cap issustaiued bytension in the links D and G, instead of by con1- pression, as usual, in the ordinary adaptation. The operation of the tumblerbearings thus far specified has been effected positively by means of 'linksupports without dependence upon the action of gravity, and by the same means great smoothness of action and freedom from shock have been secured. These are important qualities in a tumbler-bearing where durability, quickness of action, and absolute security are required; but the main objects of our invention can be obtained in other ways by sacrificing our independence of gravity. It is possible to do this successfully when the movement of the parts is slow enough to maintain their articulation intact, a-ndalthough not so well approved our invention may take the following alternate forms.

In Figs. 10 and 11, as just pointed out, the

link I) may be omitted and astop provided onthe box B to limit the movement thereon of the cap C in opening. Similarly, in Figs. 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, and 9 the box B can be counterweighted in excess and the tumbler-bearing operated by a linksupport for the cap only. The construction of these tumbler-bearings is thus simplified, but their operation is made dependent upon gravity and theirsmoothness of action is destroyed.

Figs. 12 and 18, Sheet 5, represent a tumblerbearing comparable with Figs. 1, 2, and 3, in which the box and cap open by gravity. The rocker-arm F heretofore used becomes in this case a swinging support, and acts directly against the box and cap without the intervention of links. The cap 0 is couuterweighted in excess and rises as the box B descends, when the swinging support moves from the position shown in Fig. 12 to the position shown in Fig. 13. The weight of the block M and link L serves to hold the swinging support in the position shown in Fig. 12 when the bearing is closed.

1o tions against pressure from the shaft 0.

2o swinging support in its closed position.

25 and 17.

50 cap to clear the shalt 0.

6o ondary support H.

The swinging support F is operated bya rack or other connection with the bar M, and when closed it supports the shaft-bearing through the cap 0. By means of the stop S and the support F the bearing is secured in all direc- To counterbalance the weight of the block M the swinging support F may be provided with a counterweight, as shown in broken lines.

Figs. 16 and 17, Sheet 7, show a modification of the preceding tumbler-bearin fin which the block M is connected iudirec t ly to the swinging support through the idle-wheel L, and by this means the weight of the bar M is made to act in the proper direction to hold the Fi s. 18 and 19, Sheet 8, show the box B guided in a slide by the frame A and the counterweighted cap 0 pivoted near the bearing 0, but on the opposite side to that shown in Figs. 14.. 15, 16, The swinging support F is operated by a rack or equivalent connection to the bar M and supports the shaft-bearing through the cap 0. in this as in other forms the shoulder tfixes-the position of the bar M when closed,

and the stop S limits the movement of the box 13 in the direction of closing. It is evident from Figs 18 and 19 that the box B need not be pivoted to the frame A as an essential part of our present invention. It maybe pivoted,

guided in aslide, or connected thereto bylinks,

but in all cases it is guided by the frame. so

as to move in a fixed path. The box and cap are preferably pivoted, however, in all forms of our present invention as giving the simplest and best construction, and the movement of oted to the box B, and connected by links Q and K and lever l to the primary support F. In opening, the secondarysupport H begins to raise the cap before the primary support F allows the box to descend, thus enabling the The secondary support H acts positively by cam-shaped faces upon the link G, so as to open and close the cap without dependence upon gravity and lock it in position when closed. To accomplish this the link G is provided with earn-shaped faces against which the secondary support H acts, one end of the link being pivoted to the cap at the point I) and the other end to the link 1, which turns upon the fulcrum d, for the see The primary support F acts directly against the box 13, and is counterweighted sufficiently to remain in position when closed.

To secure the box and cap against movement from pressure of the shaft in any direction when closed, the limiting-stop S may be ary support H.

quently this tumbler-bearing is not adapted to 7 work in all positions with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane.

In Figs. 23, 24, 25, and 26, Sheet 10, the tumbler-bearing shown on Sheet 9 is so modified as to be operated positively without dependence upon gravity. The box B is guided by the links D and E, pivoted to the frame A at the points z and Z and to the box B at the points and m, respectively. The cap 0 is operated in a similar manner by the second- The primary support F is pivoted at Z upon the same fulcrum as the link E, and in opening it moves the box B positively when the facef strikes the boss at; The primary lever Fis eounterweighted sufficiently to remain in position when closed,and the links D or E may be counterweighted to balanee'the weight of the box and cap and make the operation of the parts easier. limiting-stop S may also be introduced when desired.

An important feature of all these tumblerbearings provided with 'a cap consists in the convenient adaptation of the cap or box to use as a receptacle for lubricating material for the shaft-bearing. Vhen, as is usual, the box is used to support the shaft, the cap is provided with an oil-cup, and in addition to this recesses are formed in the cap-bearing for the reception of tallow or some material of like nature that will melt and lubricate the shaft in case the oil-cup fails to act. When the cap is used to support the shaft,tlze box is provided in like manner with an oil-cup and lnlori eating wells. The oil-cup Ris shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, and again in Figs. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. 25, and 26, and the lubricating-Well R is shown in Figs. 7 and 9. Although notshown in other figures,it will be understood that the oil-cup and lubricatingwells can always be applied to our tumbler -bearings provided with a cap.

Having now described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A supportii'ig-frame, and a box-bearing which is connected to the frame by a hingejoint, in combination with a link-support which is connected to the boxbearing and to the frame by separate hinge-joints, by which link'support the bearing can be moved to and from the shaft and can support it when required, substantially as described.

2. A pivoted box, a pivoted cap, and a linksupport for the box, in combination with a link-support for the cap, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

3. A pivoted box, a pivoted cap, a linksupport for the box, and a link'support for cap, the combination being and operating so that the bearing and cap shall counterbalance each other, substantially as described.

4. A pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon,

The

IIO

and alink-support for the box, in combination with a link-support tor the cap, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

A pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon, a link-support for the box, a linlesupport for the cap, and a. sliding block or bar 't'or actuating these parts, in combination with a. link connecting the sliding bar with the common rocker-arm of said linlc-supports, so as to lock the box and cap when in position to sup port the shaft, substantially as shown and described.

6. A pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon, and a linlesupport for the cap, in combination with a link-support having a definite 105131110 tion for the box, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

7. A pivoted box. a. cap pivoted thereon, and a link-support for the cap, in combination with an elastic link-support for the box, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

8. A pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon, a link-support for the cap, and a link-support having definite lost motion or elastic conipressibility for the box, in combination with a limiting-stop, whereby the box and cap are securely locked in position, substantially as set forth.

9. A supportine -frame, a movable box-bearing guided thereby, so as to move in a fixed path to and from the shaft which it supports, and a pivoted cap, in combination with a receptacle forlubricating material, substantially as shown and described.

10. A pivoted box, a cap pivoted thereon, and a link-support for the cap, in combination with a limiting-stop for the box, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

11. A pivoted box and a pivoted cap eounterweighted in excess, in combination with a swinging support which allows the box and cap to open by gravity, or replaces them in position to support and secure the shaft, substantially as described.

12. A supportingframe, a box-bearing guided thereby, so as to move in a fixed path, and a pivoted cap, in combination with a swinging support which allows the box and cap to open by gravity, or replaces them in position to support and secure the shalt, substan tially as shown and described.

13. A supporting-frame, a boxbearing guided thereby, so as to move in a fixed path, a cap pivoted to the box, and a box-support pivoted to the frame, in combination with a cap-support pivoted to the box, the combination being and operating substantially as set forth.

J. SELLERS BANOBOET. XVILFBED LEWIS.

Witnesses:

Gnxs. E. PANCOAST, HORACE W. SELLERs. 

